Book Review: Teatime at Grosvenor Square
Teatime at Grosvenor Square: An Unofficial Cookbook for Fans of Bridgerton—75 Sinfully Delectable Recipes by Dahlia Clearwater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is Bridgerton fanfiction for foodies! Now you can bring the Regency Era into your own home with this delectable, beautiful cookbook. The recipes are grouped into five sections: Canapes, Scones and Spreads, Teatime Sweets, Dinner Party Fare, and Regency Cocktails. The recipes are clearly written. Even the most complex dishes, such as Roast Duck Fit For A Duke or Lavender Lamb are easy to follow and don’t require you to be a master chef. If you gather in the proper ingredients and pay attention to the recipe, you’ll be just fine.
Each recipe starts with a fun introduction. For example, here’s one for Marriage Market Punch. “Nothing helps soothe the nerves during a new London Season like a delightful (and strongly spiked) champagne punch! Rum (or brandy) gives this flavorful beverage an extra kick to encourage strong attachments.”
I look forward to trying many of these seventy-five indulgent recipes. I’m particularly tempted by Honeyed Fig Crostini, Red Currant Queen Cakes, Blackberry Whipped Cream, Pears Poached in White Wine… and do I dare attempt that Lavender Lamb? Perhaps after a few Lemon-Mint Cordial Cocktails… or perhaps a Brandy Daisy with Orgeat.
I will confess that I’ve never baked my own scones, though I’ve enjoyed those made by family and friends. Now, should I try Proper English Scones, Regency Raisin Scones, Cherry Scones, Cranberry Orange Scones, Secretly Sweet Scones, or Cream Tea Scones? How *very* Regency to offer a lavish excess of choices. No matter which one I choose, I’ll need to make a topping, Will it be a clotted cream, or jam, perhaps marmalade, maybe a curd butter or a flavorful whipped cream? So many choices.
It’s going to be a grand season!